23.11.

Just to correct the all time high speed so far, our RayMarine speedometer clocked 13 knots yesterday but the max speed according to the GPS was 14.9 knots. Bellissimo.

And during the first 24 hours we collected 198 nautical miles, not bad. I must say I really love this Swan 46.

I had my first night shift on Saturday from 6 pm to 10 pm and the next one after 4 hours from 2 am to 6 am. During my first one the moon was offering us a nice shade of light and thousands of stars were blinking in the black sky. I have said many times to my wife Paula that we should go outside with the sleeping bags and just lay down and stare at the sky.

Sailing at the speed of 9-10 knots and watching the stars will do as well.

It was a bit chilly even though I was wearing my Musto Gore-gear, but at the rear it’s pretty warm as you try to keep up the waves you can't see.

The second shift was tougher than the first one since the moon had gone away and the wind was peaking up. The wind indicator clocked 17 metres/second at around 4:30 AM after which we decided to take the first reef on the main sail. I've never seen anyone reefing the main without changing the course towards the wind but Francesco and Andrea did it even though there was enormous pressure off the very strong tail wind.

There were a few quite big waves but nothing that you should be scared of. We all had the state-of-the art spin lock vests, and we use harnesses all the time. There is even a blinking light in the spin lock vests which you should turn on when needed. Last night I didn't need it but when I was coming up for the first night watch, Hannu was saying: ”Hey, look guys, there is a walking Christmas tree on board.” The bloody light was blinking in my vest and I couldn't turn it off. Now the light is locked and ready to use. It is now 10 o'clock in the morning and I know that I should try to sleep. I'm sure I’m getting used to this but still I’m not exited.

Now I’m gonna go up on the board and see how the boys are handling the boat. The weather is half cloudy, temperature very pleasant and the wind is 20 knots from the tail.

Greetings from Karri

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After 24 hours the fleet of over 200 yachts has spread across the sea between the Canary Islands and Capo Verde. We only saw one other boat during the whole day. The only other things we saw in the sea was seabirds and a plastic jerry floating on the waves, and our first tuna. Sailing goes very smoothly, lying with Genoa with the boom, which is called butterfly. Average speed around 7-9 knots.

Greetings, Hannu